Colors of the Wind: Judy Kuhn vs. Lea Salonga.

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 12:18pm

As most of you know Judy Kuhn was the singing voice of Pocahontas in the 1995 film adaptation, and Lea Salonga was the singing voice of Jasmine in "Aladdin" as well as the singing voice of Mulan. I recently came across a video of Lea Salonga singing "Colors of the Wind" live, and I actually think it's very good. I can't decide who's better Lea or Judy. Who do you all think did a better job?

Judy's version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkV-of_eN2w&feature=related

Lea's version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkxzGZ-zNpM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 12:37pm

Why does one have to better? I think the both sound excellent.

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 12:53pm

^ Both are amazing. Still, I wonder what the film would've been like if Lea had done Pocahontas's singing voice.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 1:00pm

The exact same but with a different voice? I'm not trying to be cynical. I just think both are good versions, but I think it's a strong film either way. I doubt Lea singing the part would have changed anything.

[madbrian]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 1:04pm

As good as Salonga is, I would choose Judy Kuhn. Disclaimer: given a choice, I would almost always choose Judy Kuhn. Also, Kuhn was a better match for Pocahantas' speaking voice.

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 1:10pm

^ Kuhn did not do Pocahontas's speaking voice. Her speaking voice was done by Irene Bedard. Also Jasmine's speaking voice was done by Linda Larkin and Mulan's speaking voice was done by Ming-Na.

[Wildcard]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 1:26pm

As beautiful as Lea's rendition is, her voice is more sweet and is appropriate for the Disney characters she has lent her voice to. Pocahontas needs regal confidence and depth that Judy's voice properly fills.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 1:34pm

Marla Mindelle

[grandpianoalex]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 2:13pm

Yes, yes, YES to Marla Mindelle.

[slmlbl]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 2:34pm

sara ramirez wins!

[bk]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 2:46pm

"sara ramirez wins!"

I'd go with this, but then I would, wouldn't I? :)

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 3:47pm

That Marla Mindelle video is legitimately one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 4:26pm

Kuhn did not do Pocahontas's speaking voice. Her speaking voice was done by Irene Bedard.

I'm positive madbrian is aware of this. What he was saying was that Kuhn's singing voice was a match for the speaking voice of Pocahontas, which was provided by Irene Bedard. He was in no way implying that Kuhn also provided the speaking voice for the character.

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 5/18/11 at 5:27pm

i always thought disney did a good job of matching speaking voice and singing voice... i always liked demi moore and the woman who sang God Help the Outcasts from Hunchback... good match up there

[augustine73]

Posted: 5/30/11 at 12:29pm

Judy! although Lea Salonga is the ultimate Disney princess hands down.... now i always wonder, how come Lea Salonga never had an all Disney themed album????!!!!

[Broadwaywest]

Posted: 5/30/11 at 1:14pm

Pocahontas I think is one of disney's most underrated films. Yes, there are historical innaccurasies, and the story can be a bit slow. But the animation in stupendous. I think 'colors of the wind' is one of the most brilliant and beautiful musical sequences in any disney film. As for the singing voice, it is hands down Judy Kuhn. She definitly brought a regalty to that voice.

[ggersten]

Posted: 5/30/11 at 3:55pm

>>>Yes, there are historical innaccurasies,<<
When this was brought up at an early press conference, Mel Gibson reportedly replied: "There's a talking tree..."

[pinoyidol2006]

Posted: 5/30/11 at 6:41pm

I love Lea Salonga's rendition of more (but I think that's because of my Filipino bias). If I don't consider the needs of the film and the character, then my vote is Lea.

HOWEVER, if I were asked which one would be a better fit for the movie AND the character, I'd have to say Judy Kuhn, without even stopping to think about it. I do think Lea has the ability to sound tougher, but she is at her best with the sweet songs.